CPL First Innings Average Score & Batting First vs. Chasing Success Rate
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is one of the most exciting T20 tournaments in the world, known for its high-scoring matches, explosive batting, and competitive cricket. One of the key strategic decisions in T20 cricket is whether to bat first or chase, as conditions, pitch behavior, and team strengths play a crucial role.
This in-depth analysis explores:
✔ Average first-innings scores in CPL history (venue-wise breakdown)
✔ Win percentage for teams batting first vs. chasing
✔ Factors influencing high/low scores (pitch, weather, team strengths)
✔ Key trends and match predictions for CPL 2025
Section 1: Average First Innings Score in CPL (2013-2024)
Overall CPL First Innings Average (All Seasons)
Average 1st Innings Score: 158-165 (varies by venue)
Highest 1st Innings Total: 267/5 (Trinbago Knight Riders vs. Jamaica Tallawahs, 2019)
Lowest 1st Innings Total: 68 all out (St Lucia Zouks vs. Barbados Tridents, 2016)
Venue-Wise First Innings Averages
Venue Avg. 1st Innings Score Pitch Nature
Kensington Oval (Barbados) 165-175 Batting-friendly, pace favored
Providence Stadium (Guyana) 145-155 Slow, spin-friendly
Queen’s Park Oval (Trinidad) 155-165 Balanced (good for spinners later)
Daren Sammy Stadium (St Lucia) 160-170 High-scoring, short boundaries
Warner Park (St Kitts) 170-180 Small ground, batting paradise
Key Insight:
Barbados & St Kitts have the highest averages due to flat pitches and short boundaries.
Guyana is the lowest-scoring due to slow, turning tracks.
Section 2: Win Percentage – Batting First vs. Chasing in CPL
Historical Data (All Seasons Combined)
Decision Matches Won Win %
Batting First 52% (approx.) 52%
Chasing 48% (approx.) 48%
Venue-Specific Win % (Batting First vs. Chasing)
Venue Batting First Win % Chasing Win %
Kensington Oval 55% 45%
Providence Stadium 60% 40%
Queen’s Park Oval 50% 50%
Daren Sammy Stadium 48% 52%
Warner Park 45% 55%
Key Observations:
Guyana (Providence Stadium) has the highest win % for teams batting first (60%) due to deteriorating pitch conditions.
St Kitts (Warner Park) favors chasing (55%) because dew makes batting easier in the second innings.
Trinidad (Queen’s Park Oval) is neutral, with a 50-50 split.
Section 3: Factors Affecting First Innings Scores & Match Outcomes
1. Pitch Conditions
Flat tracks (Barbados, St Kitts) → High scores (170+ common)
Slow, turning pitches (Guyana, Trinidad later overs) → Low scores (140-150)
2. Dew Factor (Night Matches)
Dew makes chasing easier (especially in St Kitts & St Lucia).
Teams prefer to field first in night games when dew is expected.
3. Team Strengths
Strong bowling attacks (e.g., Trinbago Knight Riders) defend totals better.
Power-hitting teams (e.g., Jamaica Tallawahs) prefer chasing.
4. Toss Impact
60% of teams winning the toss choose to field first (due to dew & pitch behavior).
But batting first still wins more matches overall (52%).
Section 4: CPL 2025 Predictions – Batting First vs. Chasing Trends
Guyana & Trinidad will continue to favor batting first.
St Kitts & St Lucia will remain chasing-friendly due to dew.
Barbados will be neutral but slightly better for setting a target.
Fantasy Cricket Tip:
Pick more batsmen & all-rounders in high-scoring venues (Barbados, St Kitts).
Pick spinners & defensive bowlers in slow tracks (Guyana, Trinidad).
Conclusion: Should Teams Bat First or Chase in CPL?
Overall, batting first has a slight edge (52% win rate).
But venue-specific trends matter more (e.g., Guyana favors batting first, St Kitts favors chasing).
Toss decisions will remain crucial, especially in night matches with dew.
For CPL 2025, expect:
✔ High scores in Barbados & St Kitts
✔ Low-scoring thrillers in Guyana
✔ Close contests in Trinidad
